Nestle Moga factory starts Maggi production

Packets of Maggi noodles are likely to make a comeback on shelves and homes across the state with the resumption of production of all its variants at Nestle India Limited’s Moga factory.

“We have resumed the manufacturing of Maggi noodles at three of our plants, at Nanjangud (Karnataka), Moga (Punjab) and Bicholim (Goa). In compliance with the orders of the Bombay high court, fresh samples from these newly-made batches will be sent for testing to three accredited laboratories designated by the court. We shall start sale only after the samples are cleared by these laboratories,” said Himanshu Manglik, the spokesperson of Nestle India Limited.

Why was it banned?

On June 6, the state government had banned Maggi Noodles for a year after samples collected from Sangrur, Mohali, Kapurthala and Moga were found to contain excessive amounts of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), a food additive that is used as a flavor enhancer. Excessive intake of MSG is believed to cause indigestion, burning sensation, headaches and is considered especially harmful for children and pregnant women.

The tests also found presence of lead, but it was less than the permissible limit of 2.5 ppm (parts per million).

“Samples from Moga too would be sent to Gurgaon-based National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for testing. As soon as clearance is granted, we will fill the shelves,” Manglik said, adding thattalks were on with manufacturers at other locations too to resume production.

Punjab health and family welfare minister Surjit Kumar Jyani said, “We told the company that government had no problem with the resumption of production. Once, Maggi samples are cleared by accredited laboratories and found to be fit for consumption, the government will allow its sale.”

He added that the state government had received a request from Nestle India Limited to resume production in the form of an application citing the order of the Bombay High Court and hence permission was granted.